The Humanized Mouse Model: What Added Value Does It Offer for HIV Research?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Preclinical Research

Background:

• Humanized (hu) mouse models, utilizing transplanted human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) into immunocompromised mice, emerged in the early 2000s.
• These models successfully generate a human lymphoid system, proving invaluable for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) research, including pathogenesis and therapeutic development.
• Significant advancements have been made to enhance human engraftment in hu mice, leading to diverse customized models across research laboratories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of various hu mouse models.
• To guide researchers in selecting the most appropriate hu mouse model based on their specific research questions.
• To address the challenges in comparing diverse hu mouse models due to customization.

Main Methods:

• Review and discussion of existing hu mouse models.
• Analysis of hu mouse model characteristics in relation to specific research questions.
• Framework development for selecting appropriate hu mouse models.

Main Results:

• The diversity of hu mouse models presents challenges for direct comparison.
• The suitability of a hu mouse model is contingent upon the specific research question being addressed.
• Standardized criteria for model selection are needed.

Conclusions:

• Researchers must clearly define their research questions before selecting a hu mouse model.
• The choice of hu mouse model should be driven by the specific experimental needs and the model's capacity to address them.
• Further standardization and clear reporting of hu mouse model characteristics are essential for reproducible HIV research.